Electrocardiogram Or ecg test is a basic test to check the general functioning of the heart. It is a simple test that requires not much assistance and immediate results are obtained. This ecg test is conducted at the blood test center in Greater Kailash 1, by the name of Nagalikar Diagnostic Scanning Centre. Both these tests are an integral part of the diagnostics for any individual. It is recommended that prevention is better than cure therefore to maintain this it is mandatory to conduct an annual health check for every individual. Better to be careful than repent later.

At the Nagalikar Diagnostic Scanning Centre blood test center in Greater Kailash 1, all pathology and radiology tests are conducted at the premises. An annual health check entails that both these tests are conducted so as to give a more comprehensive picture of the condition of one’s bodily health. For example, a simple blood test will not identify the stones in one’s kidneys. It may show infection and some abnormality, but the stones can be identified only through radiological imaging. In this case, it would be an ultrasound. Hence annual health check including the ecg test should be conducted at the blood test center in Greater Kailash 1 at Nagalikar Diagnostic Scanning Centre.

The Nagalikar Diagnostic Scanning Centre diagnostics center is situated in the heart of south Delhi and is famous for the Health packages that it is providing. All the health packages are combinations of tests to ensure the complete health viability of the patient. These tests are a combination of pathology tests and radiological imaging. It is important that every individual undergoes this annual checkup so as insure against any upcoming disease or deficiency. A visit to the website at helvetiadiagnostics.com will reveal all the packages available and the testing facilities available at the center.

Preparing for a heart surgery: Do’s

Up to the previous day of surgery

• Research has shown that deep breathing exercises done every day from a month before the surgery can reduce the risk of pneumonia or other lung infections. To help you with this, the doctor will give you a device called an incentive spirometer (IS), which helps you take slow, deep breaths. Use it as much as possible till your surgery, as instructed by the doctor.
• Consult a dentist: Oral hygiene is important for a patient undergoing heart surgery. Dental issues like abscesses and infected teeth can trigger endocarditis, which is an infection of the heart’s lining, in patients undergoing surgery. You may be advised to get a descaling or full mouth cleaning done, along with treatment for any issues.
• Diet and exercise: A healthy and nutritious diet will ensure that your recuperation after surgery is quick and smooth. Regular exercise is known to boost immunity which again helps in quick recuperation.
• If you smoke regularly, avoid doing so in the month before the surgery. Smoking is a risk factor for the formation of blood clots which can interfere with the surgery and recuperation.
• Take  all  the  prescribed  medicines meticulously  and  keep  your  blood  sugars  and  blood pressure  under  good  control.

Preparing for a heart surgery: Don’ts

• If you consume alcoholic drinks or recreational drugs, you will be asked not to do so the previous day as they can interfere with the anaesthesia.
• Do not smoke or use tobacco in any form the previous day of the surgery to minimize the risk of blood clots.
• You will be instructed to not eat or drink anything after midnight on the previous night before surgery. This includes water, beverages, chewing gum or mints. If you are not able to follow this, the doctor may have to reschedule your surgery.
• You may be instructed not to take any blood-thinners like aspirin or coumarin, anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, naproxyn or celebrex, or Vitamin supplements.
• Cosmetics: You will be instructed not to use makeup, perfume, deodorant, hairspray or any other cosmetics the previous day of surgery. This includes nail polish, nail tips, wraps, gels, etc. All such nail adornments should be removed before you head to surgery. This is because one or more of your fingers will be used to accurately monitor your oxygen levels during the procedure.

MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a type of scan where a powerful magnetic field and radio waves are created, in order to produce detailed images of the insides of an individual’s body. The MRI is a big tube-like structure, which accommodates strong magnets. During your MRI scan, you lie down inside the tube. This advanced scan can be used to examine various parts of the body, which includes;

• Brain
• Spinal cord
• Bones and joints
• Breasts
• Heart and Blood Vessels
• Other internal organs, like the prostate gland, uterus, liver, etc.

With the help of the images and results produced by the MRI scan, the conditions can be accurately diagnosed. This leads to proper planning and execution of the treatments.

How to prepare for an MRI scan?

Before your scan, you can eat and drink normally, and take any prescribed medicine like you normally would. However, if your doctor has asked you to follow a set of instructions, then do accordingly. Once you reach the diagnostic centre, you will be asked to wear a hospital gown and remove anything, which may interfere with the magnetic imaging, such as hearing aids, dentures, wigs, watches, eyeglasses, hairpins and jewellery.

Why is an MRI scan performed?

MRI is a non-invasive method, with the help of which your doctor can take a look at your internal organs, tissues, and even the skeletal system. Since the scan produces high-quality images, it helps with an accurate diagnosis.

What happens during the MRI scan?

During your scan, you lie down on a flatbed, which then moves inside the tube-like structure, which is the scan. It depends on which body part to be examined, thus accordingly, you will move into the scanner either head first or feet first.

A radiographer is someone who has attained special training in conducting the imaging investigations, and he is the one who will be performing your MRI. The scanner is controlled with the help of a computer present in another room, in order to keep it away from the magnetic field.

To talk to your radiographer, an intercom will be present, and they will be able to see you with the help of a television monitor.

Once you are inside the tube and the scanning process has begun, you will hear loud tapping noises. This occurs due to the electric current of the scanner coils getting turned on and off. For this, you may be provided with a set of headphones or earphones.

During your scan, you must lie still for 15-90 minutes. The timing of your scan depends on the part of the body that is being scanned.

Is an MRI scan safe?

MRI is a safe and also a painless procedure. You may find it difficult or even uncomfortable if you are suffering from claustrophobia, but it can be managed as your radiographer will be present to walk you through the process and support you.

The MRI scan is not recommended in some cases, for example, if you have a metal implant, such as an artificial joint, a pacemaker, etc.

Various research has been carried out to check if the magnetic field and the radio waves are in any way harmful to the human body and no evidence has been found to suggest any harm. In fact, MRI is one of the safest medical procedures.